Klarinet Archive - Posting 001213.txt from 2003/03

From: Dave Gilbert <dgilbert@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] flat R-13
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 08:15:54 -0500

I have acquired an R-13 ,serial # 176,xxx that just simply plays flat.

With the full length barrel( 66 mm I believe), the horn seemed about
20-25 cents down across the entire range. I've shortened the barrel 2 mm
and had the horn given a top quality set of cork pad uppers and double
skin lowers. The instrument plays well , but is still a solid 10 cents
low-including the throat tones. I can "lip it up" but don't really like
to play that tight as the tone suffers. Another player on a different
mpc also has similar results.( we have tested with Vandoren and Clark
Fobes)

My questions; Has anyone run into this before? Is it safe to shorten
the barrel even further ?( now about 64 mm) . Other thoughts and ideas
appreciated.

Thanks.

Dave G
Ann Arbor, MI

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